How do perceptions of sleep quality relate to suicidality
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Qualitative interviews investigating experiences of sleep and suicidal thoughts, feelings and behaviours in those with unipolar depression.
IRAS ID
166052
Contact name
Donna Littlewood
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Unipolar depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the UK, with approximately one in ten (11%) people receiving a clinical diagnosis of this disorder (Office for National Statistics, 2013). Furthermore, those who experience unipolar depression report greater levels of suicidal thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Indeed, the prevalence of depressive disorders in those who have completed suicide is between 60% and 90% (Tarrier et al., 2013).
Suicide is a current public health concern, accounting for 11.6 deaths per 100,000 people in the UK in 2012 (Office for National Statistics, 2013). Therefore, it is important to understand the psychological mechanisms underlying suicidal thoughts and feelings in order to develop cost-effective interventions which target suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Recent research indicates that perceptions of poor sleep quality and disturbed sleep patterns are associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviours, independent of depression (see review, Pigeon, Pinquart & Conner, 2012). However, research in this area is still in its infancy, and has drawn criticism regarding the inconsistent measurement of sleep problems via validated measures. Furthermore, no study to date has explored service-users accounts of sleep and suicidal thoughts and feelings. Hence, the over-arching goal of this PhD is to further the understanding of the relationship between sleep and suicidality in unipolar depression.
This is the first study within this programme of research. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted to allow participants to talk at length about their own experiences. In turn, this will further our understanding of the extent to which sleep impacts, maintains or worsens suicidal thoughts and feelings in those experiencing unipolar depression. Findings from this study will then inform the specific design of future planned studies by ensuring that factors which service users perceive as important in relation to suicidal pathways are included.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0147
Date of REC Opinion
9 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion